Approach

The research team is working to significantly advance the technology readiness level of a CSP system based on parabolic dish concentrators and thermochemical reaction systems that provide a solar thermochemical augment of at least 20% to a chemical fuel (i.e., methane from natural gas or biogas) for use in a modified natural-gas combined-cycle (NGCC) power plant.

Improve the performance of the solar thermochemical reaction system, increasing the solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency from 63% to about 75% and increasing the solar thermochemical augment from about 20% to as much as 28%

Establish the design and manufacturing methods that enable solar power generation at a levelized cost of electricity of no more than $0.06 per kilowatt-hour by 2020

Set a validated baseline for capital costs of solar thermochemical systems.

Innovation

This highly efficient solar thermochemical reaction system is innovative in a variety of ways. First, it uses a modified NGCC that is already well-developed at high efficiency and can be constructed with relatively low capital costs compared to other power-generation options. Second, the system is capable of operating around the clock, regardless of the availability of sunlight and without requiring energy storage. Finally, the development and commercialization path to this system is relatively short, so it can be commercialized and operational at multiple locations before 2020.

Publications, Patents, and Awards

At this time, this project does not have published articles, patents, or awards.